The Run to Block Island
A New Release by
John Mecray
The Sparkman & Stephens yachts Dorade and Sonny are
shown in a good breeze, broad-reaching under spinnaker and scudding clouds,
past the light at Castle Hill and out of Narragansett Bay. Built in 1930 and
1935 respectively, the yachts could be sailing in the period, but their asymmetrical
spinnakers tell us it's a current event, confirmed by the Feadship Krisujen
approaching in the distance.
Both yachts survived not only the depression, but World War Two. Their
longevity is a testimony to their designer, Olin Stephens and his brother
Rod who oversaw the project, their builders and especially their owners, who
have lovingly cared for these classic beauties. Today it's not unusual to
see the two yachts with similar hulls just over fifty two feet, but very different
rigs, jousting in the waters off Newport where they have summered for several
years, actively competing in numerous yachting events and berthed with other
classics at the docks of the International Yacht Restoration School.
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